Spotlight on Locals: Bayfield Education Association

WEAC President Ron Martin, presents the WEAC Strong Local Affiliate certificate to Eric Iverson, President of the Bayfield Education Association. Other Bayfield Education Association leaders gather in support (left to right) Pat Kinney, Rick Erickson, Lorie Erickson, Kathy Smith, and David Doering.

By Peggy Wirtz-Olsen, WEAC Vice President

“Our camaraderie and our strong union participation is the greatest strength of the Bayfield Education Association,” Rick Erickson, High School Alternative Education/Science Teacher, former President of the Bayfield Education Association (BEA), and a former Wisconsin Teacher of the Year told me.

“The reason for our strong participation is that people see the BEA as a collective teacher voice for the district, and our voice is focused on kids, families, and our community. We want to make our school district the best place it can be.”

When I asked about membership, Rick said, “Participation in the Bayfield Education Association is high. About 92% of our teachers are members.”

Eric Iverson, Middle School Social Studies teacher and current President of the Bayfield Education Association, told me, “We’re all part of a community, and we stick together.” Eric also mentioned how past leaders helped to create a culture of camaraderie and solidarity through social events and being a part of events in the community.

It’s clear that the BEA is there for the kids and the community. According to Lorie Erickson, Early Childhood teacher, the efforts of BEA members in the community are an important part of their success.

“We did an event this fall at a nearby casino where we roasted 250 hot dogs and gave them to our families who attended. Continuing to build relationships with our students and their families is important to us.” Lorie went on to say, “At the event, parents shared with us struggles of some of our former students who just graduated and were transitioning into life after high school at two-year, four-year, or tech college campuses. This prompted the Bayfield Education Association to write letters and make care packages for these former students in transition.”

The BEA is also involved in advocacy, as Rick discussed the struggles of the school district to recognize that arbitrary pay plans exacerbate their struggles in recruiting and retaining of quality teachers, which harms students. “We are working to have the best compensation and the best environment to keep our teachers here and our district strong.”

Another strength of the Bayfield Education Association is its ability to maintain a positive relationship with administration. Eric shared, “Despite challenges, we have leadership that pulls people together to address the issues to do what’s best for their students.”

Liz Bodin, Bayfield teacher and former student in the district, said, “I feel supported by my colleagues. As a student, I didn’t recognize the many ways that my teachers went above and beyond to support me. Now that I am an adult and a fellow educator, I recognize what they did to make my educational experience special, and I want to do the same for my students.”

Liz was most proud of the work of the Bayfield Education Association did for the scholarship that they award to a student who plans to be a teacher. “In a time with a shortage of students wanting to be teachers, we are doing our part to give back and encourage our students to join us in the profession and to keep high quality teachers in every classroom,” Liz said.